“[Universal Pictures Co-Chairman] Donna Langley just put us on track to write the screenplay,” del Toro told Shock Til You Drop. “So, we’re going to start writing the script. It’s a very long endeavor for me; it’s going to require a couple of years just to write it. But it’s been put back on track by Donna.

“I’m being very faithful in that I’m trying to capture the spirit of the novel, when I read it as a kid, and how it impacted me,” del Toro added. “I recognise that it’s both biography and prophecy about my life. It’s a very personal film. In many ways it’s the most personal film I’ll ever make, because my connection with the creature is very profound and deep and I don’t think there’s any other monster that has affected me as much.”